Exploring Panama City
A 4-Day Stopover Adventure in the Capital of Panama
When planning my journey to Brazil, I decided to take advantage of Copa Airlines' stopover program and spend four days in Panama City, Panama. What I discovered was a vibrant city full of culture, incredible food, and unforgettable experiences. Here’s a recap of my whirlwind adventure.
A Warm Welcome and Culinary Delights
My first day in Panama City started on a high note—I was upgraded to a suite with a stunning city view. After a long night of travel, I settled in with a comforting lunch of sancocho (a traditional chicken and potato soup) and rice at the hotel. A quick rest later, I was ready to dive into the city.
The evening was a perfect introduction to Panama’s culinary scene. I met up with friends and fellow full-time travelers for drinks with a view, followed by dinner at Fonda Lo Que Hay, one of the top Latin American restaurants. The highlight? A delicious fish poke with coconut lime, rice, and crispy corn, paired with a tamarind and pineapple tepache. It was a fantastic start to my stopover.
Architecture, Coffee, and Fine Dining
After a less-than-stellar hotel breakfast, I embarked on a self-guided architectural tour. The city’s skyline is a mix of modern marvels, and I was particularly captivated by the F&F Tower, also known as the "corkscrew." My walk led me to Bungla, a coffee shop with rave reviews, and the Panamanian coffee did not disappoint.
The afternoon was spent strolling along the bay promenade and stocking up on fresh fruit at a local grocery store. A quick dip in the hotel pool was the perfect way to cool off before dinner.
Dinner that night was at Cantina del Tigre, the #2 restaurant in Panama City (the top-ranked one was closed). The meal was a feast for the senses: passion fruit rum cocktails, shrimp fried in the shell, grilled octopus, and coconut rice. Watching the chefs in action from my table added to the experience. I couldn’t finish everything, so I saved some shrimp for breakfast—because why not?
Nature and Unexpected Encounters
I woke up early to catch a breathtaking sunrise from my suite window, setting the tone for a day immersed in nature. I ventured to an island just off the city’s coast to visit a nature center. There, I learned about Panama’s diverse frog species (over 200!) and their fight against a dangerous fungus. I also spotted colorful butterflies, sea life, and even a sloth hanging out in the rafters of a building.
Lunch was a leisurely affair at a waterfront spot, where my server enthusiastically pointed out the massive fish swimming below. The slow pace of the day was a welcome change.
In the afternoon, I attempted to visit the Metropolitan National Park for a city vista, but it was too late for the longer hike. Instead, I explored smaller trails, discovering a turtle pond and encountering howler monkeys in the forest. The day ended with happy hour in Casco Viejo, where I connected with fellow travelers to chat about the joys and challenges of life on the road.
*Support my blog and adventures. If you choose to purchase an experience from the links below or within the article, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
History, the Canal, and a Tech Scare
My final day began with a guided tour of Casco Viejo, the historic district rebuilt after Captain Morgan destroyed the original settlement. My guide, Charlie, shared fascinating stories and pointed out relics, such as 300-year-old wood-carved disciples in the churches.
Lunch was at La Fisheria, a spot Charlie recommended for its fresh fish, and it lived up to the hype. Afterward, I headed to the Panama Canal visitor’s center. Thanks to Charlie’s app, I knew exactly when to expect a ship passing through the locks. However, my excitement was briefly overshadowed by a tech scare—my phone inexplicably stopped working during the event! Thankfully, it came back to life just in time for me to snap some photos before catching the next ship.
I wrapped up my visit with the IMAX experience at the canal, which was both informative and entertaining. Highly recommend it if you’re planning a visit!
Final Thoughts
Panama City exceeded my expectations in every way. From its stunning architecture and rich history to its incredible food and natural beauty, this stopover was the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re passing through or planning a dedicated trip, Panama City is a destination worth exploring.
See my Panama Collection of images on my original photorgraphy website!